The lifting of US restrictions on the use of ATACMS ballistic missiles by Ukraine may help it repel Russian forces trying to retake Russian territory seized by Ukraine earlier this year.
It could also strengthen Ukraine’s hand ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s arrival in the White House in January 2025.
It may, however, be another case of too little, too late in Western support for Ukraine.
In November 2024, the Biden Administration lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s use of US-supplied missiles known as ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems). ATACMS have a range of around 300 kilometers.
Previously, the USA has told Ukraine only to use them against Russian forces on Ukrainian territory.
This has been a source of huge frustration to Ukraine, particularly as it could not use them against bases inside Russia that have launched ceaseless missile and drone assaults on Ukrainian cities.
Russian attacks on Ukraine in October killed 183 soldiers and wounded another 903, according to the UN.
Precise details of the change in US policy have not been announced publicly. The New York Times reports that permission to hit Russian territory will only apply initially to attacking Russian forces massing in the Kursk region.
Russia wants to recapture more than 500 square kilometers of territory invaded by Ukraine in a bold thrust in August 2024. Western agencies believe the 50,000 troops massing on the Russian side include several thousand North Korean soldiers.
North Korea’s involvement may be the main reason prompting the removal of limits on the ATACMS. Apart from strengthening Ukraine’s chances of keeping its foothold inside Russian territory, the move may also discourage North Korea from sending more troops.
The North Korean presence also provides some justification for the US decision, allaying concerns it could be framed by Russia as an escalation.
This has been fueled in part by Russian nuclear saber-rattling. Russian President Vladimir Putin upped the ante in September, warning that allowing Western weapons to hit Russia would constitute NATO’s direct participation in the war.
Russia claims, apparently that such weapons need Western crews to man them. Russia also claims the missiles may require Western intelligence to ensure accurate targeting.
The Kremlin has reacted predictably to the US announcement this week, saying it would add fuel to the fire of the war. However, ATACMS have already been used against Russian targets inside Ukrainian sovereign territory, notably in Crimea.
The so-called US restrictions on using ATACMS led Britain and France to place similar limits on Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles, which have a range of 250 kilometers.
It seems likely the USA move will now enable the Britain and France to follow suit in relaxing those limits.
Another boost to Ukraine’s arsenal could come from Germany, where the Greens, Social Democrats and the opposition Christian Democrats support green-lighting delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, which have a range of 500 kilometers.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has to date blocked it, but elections are now scheduled for February.
Washington officials have recently claimed that ATACMS would now be of limited use because Russia has moved much of its key weaponry, particularly jet fighters, outside their range.
However, some military analysts believe there are still plenty of military and civilian targets within range, perhaps numbering in the hundreds.
Moving equipment further back from the front lines would make life difficult for Russian operations, stretching their supply lines and adding to the time for drone air support to arrive.
North Korea has sold Russia hundreds of ballistic missiles and millions of rounds of ammunition. And it is now reportedly supplying Russia with self-propelled howitzers and multiple rocket launchers.
Iran has supplied Russia with thousands of Shahed drones, drone production technology, ammunition and short-range missiles.
And China sells Russia around US$300 million each month in dual-use equipment necessary for weapons production, from machine tools to microchips. Russia may even have set up a military drone factory in China, in order to defend itself against invading NATO troops.
There is also a strong chance the Trump administration could rescind the decision to lift the restrictions on ATACMS use as leverage in pushing Putin to retreat, and weaken his position in the proxy European NATO battlefield.
Asia Times / ABC Flash Point News 2025.
So the excuse to hit Russia with these missiles is approved as long as its Kursk that’s hit and Kursk is part of Russia -Hmmmm ! So using their logic if Russia invaded New Mexico would the US be “okay ” with this if Russia used long range missiles to flatten New Mexico ? What planet do Americans live on ?? did “The WAR Fairy ” tell them to sanction that ? No wonder the USA has the largest number in percentage/population of drug users be it legal or illegal . Their arrogance knows no limits as well as their… Read more »
The American popping pills movement obviously create their own imaginary narrative, to glorify their attack on Russia?
Its played down by the western media but on a percentage basis America has the largest amount of insanity in the world — I suspect its the far right USA dogma of worshiping millionaires that puts a mental strain on its citizens .
Its employee fighting employee that suites US conglomerates its – “divide & conquer ” that big business love .
Not every person is born to lead or be forceful and failure in the USA is not allowed .
That was 2024 Baronmaya Russia has regained Kursk with massive Ukrainian losses in manpower.
ussia is doing very well. Keeping the entire “might” of NATO at bay. You know, being sanctioned to death with no missiles and no men left. That’s an incredible feat.
Downright apologists for Russia” are apparently people with common sense. No wonder why the West is in big trouble. We have a string of Australian authors here, who are detached from reality. I wonder if its the isolation or a bit too much booster shots down under. Fix your broken ideology first, then come to the table
Western governments are ruled by Satanists. That is why people are leaving.